FIVB announces changes to events calendar
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Lausanne, Switzerland, March 13, 2020 – The FIVB is continuing to monitor the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) on an hour-by-hour basis, and with the guidance of national and global authorities has determined the following policies will be introduced with immediate effect, to protect the wellbeing of the volleyball family.
The FIVB, in close consultation with all participating National Federations and relevant authorities, and with the approval of the FIVB Board of Administration, has decided to postpone the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2020 until after the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The health and wellbeing of athletes, officials and fans, is the FIVB’s highest priority and this precautionary measure is being adopted in the best interests of everyone involved.
The decision to postpone the VNL will ensure that athletes can focus on looking after their health and fitness, and will enable national leagues, that are currently having to suspend events, to conclude their seasons when the situation improves. The FIVB is, of course, looking to the future with optimism, and is working closely with the relevant National Federations and event organisers to find an appropriate date to host the VNL after the Olympic Games.
With regard to beach volleyball events, due to the nature of its event calendar, it has been agreed that at this stage the FIVB will continue to evaluate the status of each event on a case-by-case basis, working in close collaboration with the respective event organisers and national authorities. Presently, the FIVB has cancelled one event, and postponed another in April due to the outbreak. Should there be any additional changes to the event calendar, the FIVB will alert all stakeholders as soon as possible.
The FIVB stands in solidarity with all members of the volleyball family, and we express our deepest sympathies to those affected by the outbreak. The FIVB is also maintaining regular dialogue with national and global authorities, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to keep up-to-date with the latest expert medical advice.
Source: Volley - fivb.org
